I move amendment No. 187:

In page 74, line 21, to delete ", other than a contentious matter,".

I think-----

The amendment has already been discussed.

-----confining discussions with a barrister to matters which are not contentious seems to be retaining the ban on speaking to barristers without solicitors present.

I second the amendment. As I said this morning on the Order of Business, it is a complete and utter nonsense. If one is involved in a contentious matter with a barrister, of course one needs to discuss it. It is like saying someone can come to Seanad Éireann and not speak about anything of a political nature. It is absolutely absurd unless there is an obscure reason which the Minister will now reveal to us.

I will now put the question.

Is the Minister going to say something to explain this?

The amendment was discussed with amendment No. 2.

Therefore, there is not a proper-----

I am putting the question.

I move amendment No. 188:

In page 74, to delete lines 26 to 35, and in page 75, to delete line 1.

I second the amendment.

I move amendment No. 189:

In page 75, to delete lines 29 to 37, to delete page 76, and in page 77, to delete lines 1 to 22.

I second the amendment.

The next four amendments are simply technical references to new sections arising from the changes made to the Bill.

This is simply to make a substitution.

This is similar.

I move amendment No. 194:

In page 77, line 13, to delete “unqualified person” and substitute “disqualified person”.

I second the amendment.

I move amendment No. 197:

In page 77, to delete lines 23 to 39, and in page 78, to delete lines 1 to 5.

I second the amendment.

I move amendment No. 198:

In page 78, to delete lines 6 to 13.

I second the amendment.

I move amendment No. 199:

In page 78, to delete lines 14 to 37, and in page 79, to delete lines 1 to 22.

I second the amendment.

I move amendment No. 200:

In page 79, to delete lines 23 to 35.

I second the amendment.

I move amendment No. 201:

In page 79, between lines 35 and 36, to insert the following:

"(f) specify the cost to the client of the services specified in paragraphs (a) to (e) inclusive".

It is vital that legal practitioners state the cost of their services. We discussed this issue on the previous occasion. I wish the point to be considered most seriously, that complaints about legal costs and unexpected increases in costs are just as important as any of the other items, from paragraphs (a) to (d). I am pressing the amendment most strongly.

I second the amendment.